Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther recently asked for a federal Department of Justice investigation into the city police department, and a series of police killings of black people. In seeking the investigation, Ginther rightly noted there already have been significant changes in the department, and the city is committed to reform.

Yet we know there is a great deal of work to do.

It also is important not to focus solely on the police, particularly in the matter of the death of Ma’Khia Bryant, who had been in Ohio’s foster system for what an attorney described as far too long.

“We are going to investigate every agency that had the time and the opportunity to prevent Ma’Khia’s death,” said attorney Michelle Martin, who pointed to Ohio’s department of health and human services Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Bryant’s grandmother was quoted as saying simply “I want justice for my grandbaby.”

That is understandable, and should be what all agencies involve seek.

But it is not likely to be simple or easy. Each agency involved may very well believe it properly carried out its responsibilities to Bryant.

All the more reason, then, those agencies should welcome a thorough investigation that may indeed prove they followed protocol, but may also uncover improved ways for them to do better by the humans with which they interact.

editorial@vindy.com